Apprentice Countryside Rangers KENT WILDLIFE TRUST

We are seeking passionate and motivated individuals to join our team as an apprentice, starting between June and September 2024. Assigned to a specific area within Kent, you will have the chance to work in some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country, playing a pivotal role in conserving wildlife and protecting the environment.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 07 May 2024

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £12,480.00

    Plus a competitive benefits package.

    Wages explained

    Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that's part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week).

    Minimum Wage Rates

  • Working week

    Normal working hours are a 37.5 hour week, which may involve some evening and weekend working. Some flexibility will be possible within the demands of the post. Overtime is not paid, but time may be taken off in lieu.

    Total hours per week: 37.5

  • Expected duration

    29 Months

  • Possible start date

    01 Jun 2024

  • Date posted

    17 Apr 2024

  • Apprenticeship level

    Higher
    Level 4 (Higher national Certificate)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000245347

  • Positions

    5 available

What you will do in your working day

  • Assist in managing and maintaining countryside sites, which may include woodland, meadows, and roadside nature reserves
  • Carry out practical tasks such as habitat restoration, tree planting, and path maintenance
  • Conduct regular patrols to monitor and report on potential issues or hazards
  • Assist with welfare checks on our conservation grazing animals, which may include Highland cattle, Konik ponies and Herdwick sheep
  • Support biodiversity conservation by monitoring and recording wildlife species
  • Engage with visitors to reserves, serving as an excellent ambassador for Kent Wildlife Trust and promoting respectful behaviour across the reserve
  • Assist in controlling and managing invasive plant species

Proposed work base/location and approximate starting dates:

  • Ashford or Dover - June 2024
  • Sevenoaks - September 2024 
  • Maidstone - June 2024 
  • Maidstone - September 2024 
  • Canterbury - September 2024

The training you will be getting

  • At the end of the apprenticeship, a successful candidate will gain a Level 4 qualification (Higher Apprenticeship), equivalent to a foundation degree, HNC or level 4 NVQ
  • An apprentice will need to attend online teaching once every month and face to face teaching at Sparsholt College once a month
  • Assessment process: There will be an independent end-point assessment on completion of the programme to access ability and competence in their job role
  • An apprentice will also gain practical experience and develop skills in environmental conservation and management whilst gaining a recognised qualification
  • Earn professional qualifications, including chainsaw and first aid at work
  • Gain training or relevant certifications in habitat management, land conservation, and wildlife monitoring

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

Typical roles could include Community Ranger, Estates Ranger, Park Ranger, Wildlife Reserve Officer, Countryside Warden, Area Warden.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Team working, Initiative, Practical conservation, Understanding of ecology, Driving licence, Time management, Multi-tasking, Confidentiality, Integrity and commitment

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 4/C) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 4/C) Essential
NVQ or SVQ Level 3 or equivalent Related field (Grade Pass) Desired

Things to consider

This role will predominantly require working outdoors and undertaking practical conservation tasks.

About the employer

Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. We manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 90 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 3 visitor centres. But we can’t save nature alone. So we work closely with local communities, businesses, organisations and individuals to protect and restore wildlife and wild spaces and create a wilder Kent for the benefit of people and the planet.

Employer

KENT WILDLIFE TRUST

Address

TYLAND BARN

CHATHAM ROAD

SANDLING

ME14 3BD

Contact

jobs@wilderkent.org.uk

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Training

Training provider

SPARSHOLT COLLEGE

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

  • training
  • qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
  • industry or sector experience

Apprenticeship standard

Countryside ranger

Level 4 (Higher national Certificate)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications

Employer's Application Instructions

Applicants should read the Guidance Notes carefully before completing the application form supported by a personal statement and CV. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a day’s selection process on a Kent Wildlife Trust nature reserve, to include practical conservation activities and an interview.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 07 May 2024